Royal Windsor Horse Show 2006
11th -14th May
Pics courtesy of GJH Swaine Photography

Where else are you able to combine top sporting action, with a venue so unique that it is open to the public for just four days a year?

The answer is Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For the second year in its 63 year history, the show was held inside the Private Grounds of Windsor Castle. These grounds are only open to the public for the four days of the show and the show's layout has been designed this year to bring extra features, the Land Rover International Carriage Driving Competition is just one of them.

The show's traditional displays of The Musical Drive of The King's Troop, RHA and the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry received something of a contrast with the arrival of a famous display, the ten tonne JCB Dancing Diggers.

The 50th Anniversary year of The Prince Phillip Cup got off to a flying start at Royal Windsor with the DAKS Pony Club International, the Pony Club's version of Rugby Union's Six Nations Championship. There was further entertainment from the Shetland Pony Grand National.

For food fans,the arrival of the first Royal Windsor Food and Drink Festival. The theme was very much 'Best of British', and a purpose built marquee hosted some 70 of the finest purveyors of food and drink.

The Queen made several appearances to the events, well she didn't really have far to go, and after a traditional walkabout to peruse the stalls in the evening she presented the prizes in the main ring.

The weather was good to her and her soon to be 80 years and stayed sunny for the whole event, thank you Ma'am!!!